Singapore, 2 July 2013 – Since the first Singapore Packaging Agreement inked in 2007, signatories have reduced a cumulative total of 14,900 tons of packaging waste, saving an equivalent of about $31 million to date. Today, 16 companies were recognised for their efforts and achievements in reducing packaging waste at the 3R Packaging Awards. The awards were presented by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, at the sidelines of Waste Management Symposium 2013, held at Max Atria at the Singapore Expo (see Annex A for list of winners).

2 The Singapore Packaging Agreement (SPA) provides a platform and structure for industries to reduce packaging waste from product packaging, and to raise awareness and educate consumers on the benefits of reducing packaging waste. Following its successful run from 2007 to 2012, signatories were keen to renew their commitment.

3 As a result, the second SPA commenced on 1 July 2012. The companies who signed the SPA will work together to achieve a total annual reduction of 6,500 tons of packaging waste by 2015. As of June 2013, the total annual amount of packaging waste reduced was about 4,800 tons. The participating companies achieved these results through various initiatives, such as reducing the size and thickness of their product packaging, switching to reusable packaging in logistical processes, or changing the way products are packaged. Read more

Singapore, 12 August 2011 – Some 6,000 Singaporean workers in the Waste Management industry are targeted to benefit from a new Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) programme for the Waste Management industry. These include workers such as Waste Collection Truck Drivers, Fleet and Route Coordinators, Waste Recycling workers, Plant Technicians and Managers.

Mr Lim Swee Say, Secretary-General, National Trades Union Congress,presided at the launch of the programme at Veolia ES Singapore today which was held in conjunction with the graduation of the first batch of workers from the new WSQ programme. This programme was developed by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) in collaboration with the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) which has a 95-member base comprising all major Singapore waste management companies. Read more

Singapore, 5 July 2011 – Two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed at the Waste Management Symposium that was jointly organised by Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) today. The Symposium, supported by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), also featured the launch of a brand new solid waste management trade event, WasteMET Asia. Read more

Singapore, 5 July 2011 – Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and National Environment Agency (NEA) launched a brand new trade event, WasteMET Asia, an exhibition and conference in solid waste management and environmental technology. Co-located with Singapore International Water Week and World Cities Summit in July 2012, the inaugural event is proud to have International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) as a strategic partner. WasteMET Asia is also supported by Economic Development Board, International Enterprise Singapore, JTC Corporation, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, and SPRING Singapore. Read more

The Waste Management Symposium is jointly organised by the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), and supported by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

This event will provide insights into the opportunities and trends for the waste management market in Singapore and the region, and will be complemented by a discourse into more technical issues in the afternoon.

A networking lunch is included in the full-day programme, which will provide participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with key stakeholders in the expanding waste management market.